HC Deb 19 June 1952 vol 502 cc1552-5
46. Mr. Shinwell

asked the Prime Minister how he reconciles his estimate of the economic prospects of this country with the recent official report of the improved position of the gold and dollar reserve; and how far he estimates that these prospects will involve further burdens on the public in the form of increases in the cost of living.

The Prime Minister

No one who is familiar with the basic facts of our economic problem would find in my speech or in that of the Chancellor of the Exchequer any mutually contradictory statements. It is, of course, incorrect to refer to the improved position of the gold and dollar reserves in a positive sense. The rate of loss has greatly decreased. But both I and my right hon. Friend said no more than that we were now holding our own.

I should certainly not attempt to give any estimates of the kind for which the right hon. Gentleman asks. I can only re-emphasise what both my right hon. Friend and I myself made clear, that the task ahead is long and hard and will call for all the effort of which we are capable.

Mr. Shinwell

But is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that the impression has gained currency in many quarters, and not only on this side of the House, that the Prime Minister spoke with one voice and the Chancellor of the Exchequer with another; that the right hon. Gentleman himself sounded the alarm while his right hon. Friend prescribed an anodyne? Would not it be desirable that the Government should speak with one voice, so that we know exactly where we are?

The Prime Minister

I do not think there was any discrepancy at all. As a matter of fact, I showed what I was about to say to the Treasury beforehand and I understood that we were in entire agreement before I said what I said. And after I said what I said I also understood that we were in entire agreement. The right hon. Gentleman may perhaps remember the quotation, or citation, by Mr. Baldwin about the many-sidedness of truth.

Mr. Shinwell

I was present when the late, lamented Earl Baldwin made that statement. But nevertheless, as this is a matter affecting the public relations department of the Government over which, I understand, his noble Friend Lord Swinton presides, should not he have been consulted with a view to co-ordinating these statements before they were made?

The Prime Minister

I do not think that they require any co-ordinating at all. The two can be read at once without the slightest contradiction.

Miss Ward

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he will convey to right hon. Gentlemen opposite that if they had been in power we would have been through the trap door now, and in eternal darkness?

Mr. S. Silverman

Would the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how long he has regarded the late Earl Baldwin as an infallible authority? Does he recall that the quotation from the late Earl Baldwin, to which he referred just now, was in reference to an occasion when that right hon. Gentleman deliberately misled the House on a matter of defence?

The Prime Minister

The hon. Gentleman no doubt is always ready to throw a brick at a dead man's memory.

Mr. Mikardo

Does the Prime Minister recall that a few weeks ago an alarming statement made by the Financial Secretary to the Treasury was directly contradicted a few hours' later by a Treasury spokesman in exactly the same way as the right hon. Gentleman himself was last week contradicted by the Chancellor of the Exchequer? Would not it be a good thing if the Government decided what is the economic situation before any of their Members made any further pronouncements upon it?

The Prime Minister

I wonder the hon. Gentleman is not tired of rummaging round these mare's nests.

Mr. Mikardo

But the right hon. Gentleman will not answer the question.

47. Mr. Wyatt

asked the Prime Minister whether he will publish his speech to the Press Association on Wednesday, 11th June, as a White Paper.

The Prime Minister

While I appreciate the implied compliment, such procedure would be unusual and is, I think, unnecessary.

Mr. Wyatt

Would not it be helpful to the House to be able to compare such remarks as were made by the Prime Minister about our standing on a trap door with what the Chancellor of the Exchequer said the following day, that we were holding the position and had a welcome and definite respite?

The Prime Minister

That does not contradict in the slightest degree what I said, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer would be in entire agreement with me.

Mr. Jay

Are we to understand that before making this speech the Prime Minister did not consult his noble Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy in his new capacity as overlord of public relations?

The Prime Minister

When I make up speeches I do not lay down rules which have afterwards to be announced to the House of Commons as to whom I do or do not consult.